Every Girl Link-Up || Summer Reads

June 11, 2015

Reading was made for summer. Well, really, any time of the year. Lately, I've been a HUGE slacker when it comes to picking up a book and diving in. I could blame it on not having the time or being too busy, but really it's because I'd rather watch a DVR'd showing of one of my guilty pleasure shows. Lame, isn't it? I've got to get into a better habit of putting reading first. I absolutely gobbled it up through elementary school and into high school. Once college hit and reading was more for classes and not for fun, I lost interest in reading more, even if it was for fun. 

So today, I'm digging back into my reading archives mostly for some of my very favorite reads. And not to worry, I've got a few new ones to share too. I know that I always love a good book suggestion, so I hope you find these helpful in pointing you in the right direction for a satisfying summer (or anytime of year) read!

Be sure to join Rachel and I for the Every Girl link-up at the bottom of this post, so we can see all of your great recommendations! 

Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter
This is one of my recent reads and the book that I took on vacation last week. I haven't completed it yet, but from the first 100ish pages, I'm hooked. Every chapter of the book takes you from the past to the present, easily bringing what they both have in common together. I love a book that can seamlessly jump from one era to the next, especially when there is a connection. If you're looking for a light read, this is it. 

The Antelope in the Living Room by Melanie Shankle
You'll be laughing from start to finish while reading this book all about marriage and what it's like for the author. This book was recommended to me (see I love a good suggestion!) by a friend, who then let me borrow it. I'm still not done, but I can't wait to wrap it up. Truly, if you're looking to identify with someone about the quirks in your marriage, then pick this book up NOW!

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
Romance, time hopping, and a exceptional plot...that's what this book offers. Several summers back, The Time Traveler's Wife was my summer read for a family beach vacation. And I couldn't put it down the entire trip. It's a classic that I gladly suggest to anyone who is looking for a sweet read. And it's got nothing on the movie (although I love it too), so make sure to read it! 

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
Go figure, this was another summer read some years back, and again it was a book that captured my attention all the way through. I fell in love with the characters, setting, and plot. Truly a fantastic book, you can't help but root for the romance, pretend what it would have been like to join the circus, and want to throw the bad guys right off the circus's train. Again, the movie was excellent, but the book is even better, and you must read it. Like now!

A Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers
If you are looking for a way to better know some of the women of the Bible, then this book has your name written all over it. You follow the lives of five women in Jesus' lineage and learn about their stories. Each chapter is a thick tale of what these women's lives must have been like. By the end you'll feel inspired and in awe of their character. And best of all, there is a Bible study at the end of each woman's chapter, which provides more in depth study on each of them!

Another Francine Rivers book that I loved was Redeeming Grace. This one is setup differently, but is so eloquently done. It was another book that I couldn't find myself putting down. 

And there you have it, my list of good reads! I hope this will tide you over with books for a bit. And if not then jump around this link-up to find a bunch of other incredible reads for yourself!

And while we're talking about books, if you mamas out there have any suggestions for good baby books to read (of any and all kinds....pregnancy, preparing for baby, once baby comes, etc) please share with me in the comments. I'm currently looking for books which span from this time of expecting baby through baby's arrival and early years! Because you can never prepare too early, right?!

Just grab the button below, add it to your post, and join the link-up! And don't forget to check out the schedule for the rest of the Every Girl series!

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